How did the rabbit become a symbol of Easter?
From ancient times, the hare was revered by many pagan cultures because of its notorious fertility. The Saxons also worshiped a fertility goddess named Eastre, who was honored with a festival every spring when plants returned to life and animals mated after the long winter. In the 2nd century, Christian missionaries converted Northern European tribes by combining pagan festivals with their own holidays to make Christianity more palatable. Since the Eastre festival occurred around the same time as the resurrection of Jesus, it was easy to blend them together. The rabbit was part of the package.
Eventually, Eastre became Easter, and the symbolism changed as well. The rabbit no longer represented fertility, but a vulnerable creature that could be sacrificed, like the lamb. Christians considered these innocents tokens of Christ and his sacrifices.
The Easter bunny derives from a German tradition in the 1500's. Children were told that a magical rabbit would leave them a nest of colored eggs at Easter if they were good. The first jelly beans were placed in children's shoes. Before long, there was so much candy that a larger container was needed, so they began to use baskets. The Pennsylvania Dutch settlers brought this custom to America in the 1700's, and we've been observing it ever since.
I do not believe in leaving anything to chance. It's time to make a run to the Godiva chocolate store to purchase a dark chocolate bunny for myself. I've been a good girl. I deserve it. First, I'll nibble off his ears....
